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Art Solbrig's Lichen Planus Remedies - the Dynamic Duo

| Modified on Oct 02, 2020
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Lichen Planus Remedies.

By Art Solbrig
Published September 3, 2020
Updated September 29, 2020

Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects skin, mucosa, and nails. It is a challenging disease to treat, and the many remedies listed on Earth Clinic clearly reflect that difficulty. These remedies, like aloe vera, are marginal at best, and some are quite complex, making a difficult situation even more difficult.

Being a chronic disease with poor options for treatment means that you may have it for life. The cause of Oral Lichen Planus ("OLP") and Lichen Planus ("LP")  is currently unknown.

Here is a link to images of LP.

As you can see from these pictures, this is a highly unwanted disease, so remedies are very desirable!

Standard care would be steroids, both topical and oral, to reduce inflammation, antihistamines to reduce itchiness, and possibly antibiotics that have shown some benefit. The oral form of Lichen Planus can be challenging to treat as it is not easy to get topical applications in the mouth to "stick around."

Supplements for Lichen Planus

I would like to talk about a couple of supplements not currently listed on Earth Clinic for LP/OLP that may help treat this menace to the mouth and skin.

Zinc

The first supplement is Zinc and studies indicate that Zinc may be quite useful for the treatment of OLP/LP. Zinc serum level is known to be lower in LP/OLP as well as the mouth content of Zinc being lower.

The following studies discuss the use of Zinc for OLP/LP.

These first three studies show that Zinc and a few other micronutrients are lower in OLP/LP :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6745238/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32533293/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4867207/

These subsequent studies show that Zinc is helpful in patients with OLP/LP :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6434769/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6434769/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3429954/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22991591/

Melatonin

The next supplement I would like to discuss is melatonin.

LP has shown increased inflammatory mediators and excessive oxidative stress, and melatonin has shown excellent potential to lower both of these while raising total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Melatonin also has anticarcinogenic qualities that may be useful with this disease at the extreme.

This first study shows that OLP shows increased melatonin in the oral mucosa, and the idea is that this is the body's response to quell the inflammation and oxidative stress. Multiple diseases cause increased melatonin production, but from what I have seen in studies is that this extra production of melatonin is often not sufficient to be completely effective. Add in the fact that melatonin production declines with age, and you can see where this natural response by the body is likely to be well-intentioned, but insufficient.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28189880/

The following study confirms the previous study and suggests that the known beneficial effects of melatonin may apply well to OLP's known detriments and goes further to suggest that melatonin may act as an immune modulator in OLP.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28673588/

These studies may leave you wondering whether liquid melatonin used as an oral rinse may be additive to oral melatonin capsules or pills. It also may make you wonder whether melatonin cream applied to LP skin lesions might be additive to oral melatonin pills and capsules.

Along those same lines, it may make you wonder if zinc lozenges that dissolve in your mouth may be additive to oral zinc caps and tabs and whether topical zinc ointment applied to LP skin lesions may be additive to oral zinc tabs and caps? One issue with the zinc lozenges is that some people have reported a loss of taste and smell from them, but it must not be that common because every chain drugstore seems to carry them.

Dosage

Zinc

I would start with 50 mg as stated on the bottle.

Melatonin

On the melatonin, I would start at 10 mg near bedtime.
 
For the liquid melatonin, I would swish a small amount around the mouth 3 times per day. Zinc lozenges 3 a day. There is no history with this idea, so it is mainly trial and error.

Conclusion

In any case, these two prevalent supplements with good safety profiles appear likely to be useful for OLP / LP. They could potentially be an excellent adjunctive addition to standard therapy also!

Art Solbrig

Related Links:

Lichen Planus Remedies
Natural Remedies for Lichen Sclerosus: Effective Treatments

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Lichen Planus Remedies

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Posted by Art (California) on 10/01/2020 2325 posts
 ★★★★★

Rsw,

I just wanted you to know that my recent article about Oral Lichen Planus and Lichen Planus was for you. I hope it helps you!

Art

Replied by Rsw
(Oh)
10/02/2020

Thanks, Art! I have read it with interest and have been holding the melatonin pills in my mouth at night as you suggested. I have 9.5mg zinc orotate tablets that I take with water. Could probably dissolve some and swish around in the mouth. I was a little concerned about taking 50mg/day? I know zinc can be a little tricky. Maybe start slowly and see how it goes?

You have been such a good friend to me and so many here, and I appreciate your research so much. I continue to take the homeopathic pills and liquid for back pain every day. I think I may feel a lot better by January. I also bought the Amla capsules you recommended and have been taking them with some Lion's Mane capsules (I also have Bacopa that I only tried once or twice, and may look at that again, but I like the Lion's Mane and can sometimes feel a difference after taking it). The statins did a number on my brain as well as my legs, and I found your post to be easily incorporated for forgetfulness or beginning dementia. I may skip the Lithium, because I think I tried it before and threw it away for some reason. Will see how I do with what I am taking for now. I always take the LDN three to five days/week for at least ten years now, and believe it gives me benefit for autoimmune issues. I feel if I incorporate your new ideas, I may be well on my way to some resolution or at least maintenance.

I can't thank you enough for your generosity of time and thoughtfulness. There is no way I would have found most of your research myself. I am beyond grateful to you, Art, as are most members of Earth Clinic. Thank you for your kindness and concern for everyone on this site.

Replied by Art
(California)
10/02/2020
2325 posts

Rsw,

Yes, I understand what you are saying about zinc. When I was writing that post, I had to consider that many different people would be reading and possibly testing the two. I have 50 mg capsules and those are what I use, but they have 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg and 50 mg capsules. I have to take more because I am low on zinc. The zinc lozenges may be a way to maximize the exposure right where it is needed, but I wouldn't get crazy taking them.

Statins are known for muscle and joint issues so I always ask people who use them if they would be interested in alternatives.

On the lithium, my friend only went with 5 mg capsules instead of 20 mg. So she did fine with that.

Bacopa is on my list of potential substitutes for memory improvement.

I really hope you get relief with this combination, Rsw!

Art


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